One killed, 8 others injured in crash

One person is dead and several others remain hospitalized with severe injuries following a crash between a minivan and a horse-drawn buggy at 2:44 p.m.on November 24. Both vehicles were northbound on CTH E in the town of Little Black when the minivan operated by Skyler Opelt of Medford struck the buggy. Emergency crews and law enforcement responded to the crash. On Monday the court set a $100,000 cash bond for Opelt. Operating under the influence of a controlled substance and inattentive driving are being cited as factors in the crash.

Operating under the influence of a controlled substance and inattentive driving are being cited as factors in a Nov. 24 collision between a minivan and a horse drawn buggy that resulted in the death of Anna E. Borntreger, 36 and sent seven children ranging in ages from one to 16 years-old to area hospitals with severe injuries. The mother died from her Vehicle While Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance Causing Injury

• Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Vehicle

• Second Degree Reckless Injury Opelt was currently on probation at the time of the incident and is also being held on a probation hold as a result of this incident.

injuries on November 26.

On Monday, Skyler Opelt, the man who operated the vehicle, was in Taylor County court for a bond hearing. A $100,000 cash bond was set.

According to Taylor County Sheriff Larry Woebbeking the following charges are being referred to the District Attorney’s office:

• Seven counts of Operating a Motor The final charges filed will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the crash and if the victims who remain hospitalized since the crash recover.

Opelt is no stranger to the criminal justice system. In the past year he has faced three separate felony charges and has had convictions related to methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia possession.

According to sheriff Larry Woebbeking, investigation is currently ongoing but preliminary findings indicate the Amish buggy was traveling north bound on CTH E with 10 occupants.

A vehicle being operated by Skyler M. Opelt, 35, of Medford was also north bound on CTH E approaching the buggy from behind. The vehicle being operated by Opelt overtook the buggy about a half mile north of the intersection with Pine Ave. and struck it from behind at highway speeds.

At approximately 2:44 p.m. November 24, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a vehicle had collided with an Amish buggy near the address of N1754 County Highway E in the Town of Little Black, Taylor County. It was further reported that there were multiple and significant injuries.

Taylor County Sheriff’s Deputies along with Medford Ambulance, Owen Ambulance and Fire, Stetsonville Fire, Gilman Ambulance, Thorp Ambulance, Medevac and medical helicopters were dispatched. Once emergency responders arrived on scene, they found nine people injured with eight of them requiring medical transport with significant injuries.

Benefits set up

An account has been opened for the benefit of Ike and Anna Borntreger and Family at Prevail Bank. Many Borntreger family members were recently injured in a buggy/car accident. Donations deposited into this account would be used to offset their medical and other financial expenses. Prevail Bank in Medford is located at 675 E. Broadway Ave.

A benefit account for Anna Borntreger has also been set up at AbbyBank. In Medford AbbyBank is located at 215 S 8th St.

Donations are able to be made at any of the bank’s locations.